Parents of a Warwickshire boy who died from meningitis last month have set up a charitable trust in his memory.

Three-year-old Barney Adlington died on March 19, just 36 hours after he complained of a headache.

His parents, Rod and Anna Adlington, were determined their son's death should not be in vain and set up the Barney Memorial Trust to raise money for research into meningitis and to offer support to other bereaved families.

Mr Adlington, who played for Claverdon Rugby Club, in Claverdon, Warwickshire, for more than 20 years, has enlisted the club's help for the trust's first fundraising effort.

Barney, along with his five-year-old brother Toby, was a junior member and became something of a character within the club.

Tomorrow two invited sides - under 35s v over 35s - will play a charity match at the ground, off Ossetts Hole Road, Claverdon, kicking off at 12.30pm.

Mr Adlington said he firmly believed his son would have followed in his footsteps and would have had a long association with the rugby team.

He said: "I am 90 per cent sure Barney would have turned out to be a rugby player.

"He was a tough stubborn, scruffy little boy, with a gorgeous naughty smile."

"When this sort of thing happens, you realise how lucky you are to have good friends and places like the rugby club around you.

"Everyone was ringing up asking what they can do. They are an amazing bunch of lads."

There will also be an auction of promises, which includes a champagne cruise along the River Thames, tickets for the British Brand Prix at Silverstone and a three-ball golf slot at Turnberry. The auction will be followed by a pig roast.

* For more information about the day and the Barney Memorial Trust, log onto the rugby club's websitewww.clavrfc.co.uk